Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia has taken a decisive step to modernize and secure its maritime trade network, formally enforcing the Electronic Cargo Tracking Number system across all national ports. The directive, issued at the end of September by the Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport, marks the transition from a phased rollout to full nationwide implementation—two years after the system was first introduced.
The ECTN requirement now applies to every shipment entering or leaving Somalia’s ports. Importers and shipping agents must obtain the digital tracking number through the government’s designated platform before any cargo is loaded abroad or discharged locally. Port workers in Mogadishu, Berbera, Kismayo, and along smaller coastal hubs say the move has ushered in a new rhythm of operations, replacing what were once cumbersome manual checks with quicker, traceable documentation.
Officials emphasize that the system is designed not only to strengthen oversight but also to protect the country’s maritime corridors, long plagued by security threats, smuggling, and opaque cargo movements. The new tracking process ensures that every consignment is logged from origin to destination, making it easier for authorities to flag discrepancies, verify manifests, and speed up clearance procedures that traders say often determined whether goods arrived on time or not.
The ministry has signaled that the era of lax compliance is over. Cargo arriving without a valid tracking number will be turned away entirely, and companies that attempt to bypass the rules risk steep penalties—from fines to suspension of their operating licenses. Enforcement teams are being deployed across major ports to ensure that the bill of lading carried by each vessel clearly displays the assigned ECTN.
For Somali businesses dependent on imports, the transition brings a mix of adjustment and optimism. Clearing agents note that while the system adds an extra layer of responsibility, it also promises smoother logistics and fewer unexpected delays once the process becomes routine. Many hope that standardized digital tracking will encourage greater confidence among international shipping partners, allowing Somalia to further integrate into regional and global trade lanes.
The full enforcement of ECTN reflects a broader effort by the government to upgrade maritime governance, reduce leakages in port revenue, and create a more predictable environment for commerce. As the new rules take hold, Somalia’s ports are set to operate under tighter scrutiny—but also with the potential for faster, cleaner, and more accountable trade flows that have long been out of reach.